Skip to main content

Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

American, 1923-1985

Though much of Arthur Umanoff's furniture is marked by a no-frills simplicity common in American mid-century modern design, his work is anything but one-note. Over the course of a prolific career, Umanoff designed everything from case pieces to candleholders to magazine racks to dining chairs in iron, leather, walnut, wicker and more. With furnishings for a broad range of manufacturers throughout the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and early ’80s, Umanoff continued a thread of sculptural elegance and textural sensitivity through his designs.

After graduating from Pratt Institute in the early 1950s, Umanoff experimented mostly with wood furniture before landing a job at Post Modern Ltd, a New York manufacturer of wrought-iron furniture. There he produced furnishings that married wrought iron with wood and plastic, creating functional pieces free of utilitarian bulkiness.

Umanoff continued his experimentation with mixed materials through a partnership with Shaver Howard, for whom he designed wine racks in combinations of iron, leather and wicker.

When Shaver Howard bought Boyeur Scott, Umanoff conceived several furniture designs for the brand, including the 1964 Granada collection, whose curlicue iron bases, visible through glass tops, stand out as some of his most ornate and decorative work. Indeed, much of Umanoff’s oeuvre is far more simplistic, like iron-and-pine armchairs for The Elton Co. or low-backed, slatted-seat barstools with slender iron legs for Raymor.

Umanoff was fluent, too, in the more sumptuous modernism of the era: In the mid-1960s, he designed the 2405 and 4449 armchairs for Madison Furniture Industries. Popular in offices, the walnut-framed, leather-upholstered seats, which could have been mistaken for the seductive Scandinavian modern seating of the era, were reportedly the jumping-off point for Captain Kirk’s iconic seat on Star Trek.

Even as he is among the mid-century modern designers you may not know, with work across such a range of styles and manufacturers (most no longer in business), Umanoff, who died in 1985, leaves a legacy that is fascinatingly diverse and at times enticingly elusive, making his work intriguing objects for collectors.

Find vintage Arthur Umanoff bar stools, tables, benches and other furniture today on 1stDibs.

to
2
15
15
14
15
13
3
6
11
8
6
5
3
13
13
1
15
15
15
156
1,042
210
185
176
Creator: Arthur Umanoff
Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard Spiral Staircase Plant Stand
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard spiral staircase plant/decor stand. Wrought Iron with wood steps, 20” x 20” x 42”H. The perfect accent piece for your plants, books, and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wrought Iron

Giant Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff in Walnut
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A striking example of Arthur Umanoff’s mid-century modern craftsmanship, this handsome “Big Boy” magazine rack stands just under 31” and features the designer’s signature architectur...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Umanoff Iron Room Dividers w 140 Leather Wine Bottle Holders, 1950s
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ultimate entertaining piece, this Arthur Umanoff four section wine rack system and room divider which also incorporates an artful array of one hundred forty leather wine bottle holders, two wicker baskets, ten butcher block wooden shelves, and all contained within four individual black iron frames, this magnificent room divider or wall unit is the ideal companion to any entertainment home or creative studio. Designed in 1954 by Arthur Umanoff and produced in low quantities by Shaver Howard throughout the late 1950s, this collector's item works equally wonderfully as a room divider or against a wall, it can be placed together in one continuous unit, angled for a corner, or separated - the four individual sections can be scattered throughout a room, home or office. Consider the many ways you can use this fantastic Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard room divider wall unit. Whether placed to divide a room or against a wall, this sizable piece can hold a large collection of wine, up to 140 bottles in the leather bottle holders that are have style similarities as designs from Jacques Adnet, 2 wicker baskets in the style of Franco Albini can hold drink accessories, glassware and tools, and the 10 wooden butcher block shelves can hold bottles of liquor, trays with condiments and mixers, recipe books...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Solid Walnut Spindled Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
This mid-century solid walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s offers both style and functionality. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures approximately...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Chrome Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff Postmodern
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Stylish and practical, this Chrome Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff is a perfect example of postmodern design. The sleek, open framework showcases Umanoff's knack for blending form an...
Category

20th Century Unknown Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Chrome

Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft has sculptural spindles that create visual movement as your perspective on the piece changes. 18.5"H X ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Mid Century Modern Solid Walnut Spindle Magazine Rack Stand by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage magazine holder designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft, circa 1960s. This organizing rack is constructed of solid walnut and is perfect for displaying light read...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Umanoff Teak Wood Mid Century Danish Modern Compass Book Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arthur Umanoff Teak Wood Mid Century Danish Modern Compass Book Magazine Rack. Item features Mid 20th Century Measurements: 22" H x 16.5" W x 18" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Modern Walnut Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Mid Century Modern magazine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff for Washington Woodcraft. Magazine rack is in good vintage condition with a couple small blemishes. Made from soli...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Beautifully crafted Mid-Century Modern magazine or book rack designed by the prolific designer Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s. Featuring distinctive staves and practical handles on eith...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Wrought Iron and Leather Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century American Modern wine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard composed of eight saddle-leather strap holders and wrought iron frame. All original condition, appearing to ...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Seventeen-Bottle Wine Holder
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Arthur Umanoff wine rack in painted wrought iron. Can be used as a tabletop or floor rack, accommodating 17 bottles. Pictured with this wine rack is the smaller, 7-bottle hold...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Ebonized Walnut Magazine Holder by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern magazine holder was realized by the esteemed American designer Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960. The piece offers two open rectilinear ends connected by a rectangular base and two atomic concave cross bars at the top- all in ebonized walnut. Connecting the top and bottom horizontal supports are an array of handcarved totem like forms- that appear inspired by Oceanic...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Rare Mid-Century Design Icon an Arthur Umanoff Iron and Cane Log Holder Rack
By Arthur Umanoff, George Nelson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Simple, sculptural design. Presented in As-Found condition.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wrought Iron

Related Items
Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome magazine rack by Jacques Adnet. Made of iron and brass. Excellent vintage condition. Star detail on both sides and closed fist on top. Great piece!
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass, Iron

Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack
Jacques Adnet Magazine Rack
$2,800
H 17 in W 12 in D 7 in
Mid-Century Italian Brass Walnut Magazine Rack
Located in Pearland, TX
A stylish Mid-Century Modern brass and walnut magazine rack, original from Italy, circa 1950. "Made in Italy" label on reverse. It has a lovely slender and tall design with two tiere...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Brass 
Walnut Magazine Rack
Mid-Century Italian Brass 
Walnut Magazine Rack
$995
H 27.75 in W 17.5 in D 7 in
Wrought Iron Brutalist Bookends with Spiral Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heavy and sculpturally interesting pieces indeed are our pair of spiral wrought iron Brutalist bookends - if you are a fan of midcentury pieces,...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Brutalist Bookends with Spiral Design
Wrought Iron Brutalist Bookends with Spiral Design
$525 / set
H 6.75 in W 6.25 in D 4 in
Auböck White Wine Bottle Holder, Midcentury, Brass and Leather, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Minimalistic Auböck white or rosé wine bottle holder in solid brass with leather handle, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s. This pourer was designe...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Taverneau Serving Tray by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage serving platter tray designed by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor, circa 1960's. This solid piece is made out of Taverneau wood and features ...
Category

1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Reed, Wood

MidCentury Painted Black Walnut 4 Tier Spiral Library Book Staircase Step Ladder
Located in Casteren, NL
On offer here is a beautiful Italian turned painted walnut wood circular step ladder. The staircase offers four stairs, each with a gold leaf decorated inlay of cognac-coloured shee...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Gold Leaf

MidCentury Painted Black Walnut 4 Tier Spiral Library Book Staircase Step Ladder
MidCentury Painted Black Walnut 4 Tier Spiral Library Book Staircase Step Ladder
$1,367 Sale Price
20% Off
H 60.24 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack in the Style of Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century solid walnut magazine rack in the style of Arthur Umanoff for American Woodcraft, circa 1950s. This sturdy foldable magazine rack is finely crafted piece is in very good ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack in the Style of Arthur Umanoff
Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack in the Style of Arthur Umanoff
$300 Sale Price
20% Off
H 20.5 in W 17.5 in D 14 in
Roger Tallon Aluminum Helicoid Staircase
By Roger Tallon
Located in Queens, NY
French Post-War Design (1966) polished aluminum helicoid form circular 13 step staircase with rubber step surface (designed by ROGER TALLON)
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Aluminum

Roger Tallon Aluminum Helicoid Staircase
Roger Tallon Aluminum Helicoid Staircase
$42,000
H 157 in W 42 in D 42 in
Mid-Century Modern German Plant Stand Rattan Bamboo Room Divider, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing Mid-Century Modern plant stand, flower pot holder or room divider. made in Germany, circa 1950s. This is a beautiful all original item in...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wood

Arthur Umanoff Bowl
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Miami, FL
1 Arthur Umanoff Bowl, more Umanoff pieces available.
Category

1960s Haitian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Arthur Umanoff Bowl
Arthur Umanoff Bowl
$80
H 3 in W 8 in D 5 in
Set of Three Vintage Bohemian Rattan Bamboo Plant Stand Nesting Tables, Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Handsome set of three vintage Bohemian bamboo plant stands. The group consists of three plant stands of graduating size. The trendy boho stands are ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wood

Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports A Great set of beech Library Steps, the 3 steps are in a spiral formation, they are in good condition, very sturdy and useful An attractiv...
Category

1960s Adam Style Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Beech

Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports
Spiral Library Steps with Turned Supports
$1,913
H 37 in W 20 in D 20 in
Previously Available Items
Arthur Umanoff Walnut Sculpted Magazine Rack for Washington Woodcraft
By Arthur Umanoff, Washington Woodcraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Restored Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack Surfboard Coffee Table
By Grete Jalk, Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Arthur Umanoff designed the mother of all magazine racks, or perhaps the most innovative coffee table of all time. This solid walnut coffee table has been delicately restored. The FMV restoration team was able to mitigate virtually every imperfection, with only a few, very minor flaws remaining. Here we have exceptional styling and design in the classic, Mid-Century Modern discipline. Look down on the table to see a bonfire of rich, ebony and amber, cathedral walnut grain. The curved edges along this surfboard coffee table create a sleek profile. The lower tier, suspended by a series of spindles forming the rack, is a harmonious marriage of function and form. An ideal vertical storage for books and magazines. This restored mid-century modern Arthur Umanoff coffee table...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Solid Walnut Magazine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century solid walnut magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 21"W x 8.25"D x 14.75"H. Great California design on th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Arthur Umamoff Large Size Walnut Magazine Holder
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Big Boy Size Arthur Umanoff Magazine Holder in Walnut. Larger of the 2 sizes made this guy can hold a lot! Cool mid-century design that with lift up any space and function as well!
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

1960s Arthur Umanoff Cane Wrapped Iron Magazine Holder in a Salmon Lacquer
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Oakland, CA
1960s welded cane wrapped iron magazine holder painted in a salmon lacquer. Double arched form with cross bars running within the arch resting on a round base. Arthur Umanoff was a N...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Umanoff Iron Steel Leather Strap 21 Bottle Wine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for the wine rack alone. The chair and other accessories are NOT included. Iconic Mid-Century Modern leather strap and wrought iron wine rack by Arthur Umanoff. The vintage 1950s wine rack holds 21 wine bottles suspended on leather straps. The elegant, minimalist storage solution is the zenith of form following function. The wine rack features all original straps. The black finish on the wrought iron frame is also original. The wine rack is compact to place atop a counter if desired. Opt to place a piece of wood on top and the piece could be used as an end table. (We are not including a wood top.) We have several Arthur Umanoff pieces currently in stock. Inquire if you are interested in the Umanoff coffee table...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Metal

MCM Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century walnut magazine rack designed by Arthur Umanoff. Oval with vertical spindles around the sides. Elegant tapered shape. A wonderful mid century minimalist design and func...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Wood

MCM Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
MCM Arthur Umanoff Walnut Magazine Rack
H 14.25 in W 20.75 in D 8 in
Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff Solid Walnut Magazine Rack
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid walnut magazine rack, designed by Arthur Umanoff circa 1960s California design, nice condition. Freshly refinished.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Walnut

Wrapped Cane and Iron Magazine Holder by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor
By Raymor, Arthur Umanoff
Located in San Diego, CA
Wrapped cane and iron magazine rack by Arthur Umanoff for Raymor. Original orange enamel finish. A sturdy and functional piece.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Redding, CT
Mid Century Modern Wrought Iron Wine Rack by Arthur Umanoff This free standing 67 bottle rack was Manufactured by Shaver Howard It Measures: 72" H x 17” W x 12 3/8” D
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Arthur Umanoff More Furniture and Collectibles

Materials

Iron

Arthur Umanoff more furniture and collectibles for sale on 1stDibs.

Arthur Umanoff more furniture and collectibles are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider more furniture and collectibles by Curtis Jeré, Merton Gershun , and Heywood-Wakefield Co..

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed